Tragic Hero The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. What are the qualities that make Antigone, a tragic hero.
Hamartia: The flaw that causes the hero's downfall.
Antigone believes she can know the will of the gods, and acts in direct contradiction of Creon’s decree. She wants to be a martyr.
Hubris: Excessive Pride
Antigone sets herself above the laws of her king, unapologetically defying Creon.
Peripeteia: Reversal of fortune
Tiresias convinces Creon to free Antigone.
Anagnorisis: When the hero makes a critical discovery
The audience knows what Antigone does not: Creon is on his way to pardon her.
Nemesis: Fate that cannot be avoided
Antigone hangs herself before Creon can arrive.
Catharsis: The feeling of pity or fear the audience is left with after the hero's fall.
The audience is sad that Antigone died for burying her brother, and for her pride. They recognize the same temptations to righteously defy authority in their own lives.
Tragic Hero
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. What are the qualities that make Antigone, a tragic hero.
Hamartia: The flaw that causes the hero's downfall.
- Antigone believes she can know the will of the gods, and acts in direct contradiction of Creon’s decree. She wants to be a martyr.
Hubris: Excessive Pride- Antigone sets herself above the laws of her king, unapologetically defying Creon.
Peripeteia: Reversal of fortune- Tiresias convinces Creon to free Antigone.
Anagnorisis: When the hero makes a critical discovery- The audience knows what Antigone does not: Creon is on his way to pardon her.
Nemesis: Fate that cannot be avoided- Antigone hangs herself before Creon can arrive.
Catharsis: The feeling of pity or fear the audience is left with after the hero's fall.Create Your Own Story Board
original source: http://www.storyboardthat.com/teacher-guide/antigone-by-sophocles#anchor_antigone-vocab-w--frayer